my new pond has been up for about 7 weeks. It has a UV filter system in it. I would estimate that there is 5-6,000 gallons of water in it. I added a bunch of plants at the startup( lilies, Iris, cattails, water lettuce, water hyacynth. The goldfish are growing each day and are becoming much bolder as they are approached. I added about 40 Japanese trapdoor snails in the last week. I am truly enjoying the daily routine but.........

My question here is:

I am getting a large amount of string alge . I am taking it out each and every day with a small toy plastic rack . The water seems to be very clear but the alge just keeps appearing daily. Should I be doing something else to control it?? The plant coverage is estimated to be 40-50% of the surface. Will it ever stabalize??

Robbier, where's the string algae; pond or stream? Barley and bacteria are what I use.

Yes, it will balance out just give it time. Sounds like you have an algae bloom. My pond never did get bad enough to remove it, but early on this yearI had it bad in my stream. Seemed like I was harvesting (as I call it) almost daily, like pulling up Goldie Locks hair, pounds of it, 4-5 foot long, running down my stream. If I could sell it I'd be a rich man.

But now that my pond is woke up, bacteria active, barley on montly dose, and plants growing well, the problem has subsided greatly.

You can also buy products to sprinkle on string algae, that kill it. I used it the last two years on my stream. Most products work best with direct contact, so in my case was able to turn my stream off to apply it. Works good at the time but just comes back; what I found was the more often I used it the faster it came back. I fought it all year.

This year I've gone without, and again has nearly gone away. In fact sounds crazy, probably a bad omen, but wish I had a little more as I like using it in my flower beds. Besides the nutrients, it tends to hold the moisture in the ground under it.

Most new ponds get an outbreak of suspended algae that turns the pond green. So, some hair algae may not be that bad. You can physically remove some of it. It's only a problem if it starts to clog things (pumps, filters, waterfalls) or traps animals in it. Your plants will grow, and as they do, there will be less algae. Few animals want to eat hair algae, not even those tons of snails that you added who really like short algae on the sides of the pond. If there's not much short green algae, put in some sinking algae wafers for the snails to eat (just a few a day) until the algae is growing better. Having 50% coverage with such a new pond is great. My 10-year-old pond only has about 60% coverage right now. You might want to try some of the ideas on my algae page.

My pond algae page - http://www.fishpondinfo.com/plants/algae2.htm

Johnnyboy and Robyn,

Thanks for the good advise and direction. I am getting the string alge in both the stream and pond.
I have visited Robyns suggestion on alge and now have some barley on order from one of the suppliers she suggested. I was wondering about how long after I put it in the pond, should I see some results.

I also would like to get some more information on the bacteria for the pond. Where might I find it, what type, how much to order, frequency of application etc.

Yes I am a newbe here and will gladly take your seasoned pond advise. Thanks for the quick replys also

Thanks again,
RobbieR

Hello Robbier123,

Typically, barley results don't happen real quick. All depends on which form you purchased. Barley bails, pellets, or liquid. I've used all three. Bales work pretty good, you just need a place to submerge them, I try to get them in as early spring as possible; they take around 6 weeks to see results. Pellets, forget it, I don't like them. They typically come in mesh bags you submerge; mine have tended to rot, mold, and stink more than I think they're doing anything else. This year I'm using the liquid from Dr's. f & S; Concentrated Barley Straw Extract 64 oz. Application rates vary depending on form and manufacture; the liquid called for doses every week the first couple weeks, then a couple treatments at two week intervals, finally maintenance being monthly. So far the liquid is my favorite.

I also started out this year using another Dr's F & S product; Microbe-Lift Spring/Summer Cleaner 8 ea. 2 oz. Packets. It helps break down debris, and replenishes winter bacteria loss. They were neat little dissolvable packets, I'm sure it added some bacteria, most products tend to; but I used it mainly to help break down debris left over from winter.

As far as good bacteria, I've always used a dry product from Aquascapes called AquaClearer™ Dry Bacteria. I applied it almost daily; again, application rates, and amounts, depend on pond size, etc. But this year, I've changed from using Aquascapes products primarily because I never got a good handle on contrilling string algae in my stream. So for good bacteria this year I'm using a liquid form product called Microbe-Lift/PL, also available from Dr's F & S .

Again, this year using the new products my pond (so far) has improved over previous years. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Post edited on 1July07 to remove product I didn't use; called Pond Care AlgaeFix.

As Johnny said, the barley takes weeks to really have an impact. The liquid should work faster, maybe a week. Barley doesn't always in and of itself solve algae problems. It's just part of the natural package to control algae.

As far as bacteria go, I too used the Microbe-Lift spring dry packets which contain bacteria and also enzymes that digest plant material. I also use BZT weekly. I swear by it. Here's the site on it - http://www.united-tech.com/m-aq-toc.html
In order to get the smaller amounts that we ponders like (not on their web site), you have to call them and ask for the "Ponder's Special" which is about $35. I use it in two of my ponds (1800 and 153 gallon) and all my fish aquariums (65, 50, 20, and 5 gallons). One batch lasts me about 6 months so the cost is not that extravagant. BZT is my "secret."

Johnnyboy, the products you mentioned are sold by DFS but they're not their products (not made by them). They do make some products themselves but mostly dog stuff. Be careful with AlgaeFix. A few people this year have had problems after using it. It's not as safe as they'd have you think. It is fatal to crustaceans and can kill fish if overdosed. It's less toxic than most algaecides but it's still an algaecide. If any algaecide is used in a pond or tank that's full of algae, the death of those algae will often cause massive changes in the pH and oxygen levels which can be fatal to fish.

Tell me about it. lol My ph in the morning is 7.5, at nite is 9 so again I added more lower. That algaecide I put in made it go bonkers. Out of the 4 hyacinths I bought, 1 died, 1 is stagnant, 1 is stretching out, and 1 is on it's 2nd flower. There was alot of DOC for awhile but that's gone down some and the extra spitter on the side is giving enough oxygen since I haven't seen anyone at the surface gasping for air. whew. I wish I had the string back, at least the water was clear...and I had extra to fertilize the tomato bed. :(

That's still a good pH swing so there must be a good amount of algae and/or plants left in the pond. Or, are there still decomposing algae around in the pond and filter? Try to remove that if possible.

You should post a photo of the elusive water hyacinth flower.

Thanks Robyn for the AlgaeFix heads up. Tested my water and everything is right on the mark. I use it very cautiously.

Get out of here, SadieMay!! 2ndFlower!!!! You lucky bum. Good job.

I really appreciate the solid advise that you have given here. Looks like I'll spend more time on the computer tonight and order a few more things. I am sure that this valued advise has come from the school of "hard knocks," as you have tried many things to get your ponds to a healthy and visually appealing mode. I look forward to being a future contributor as I learn this new hobby. :rolleyes:

Thank you.

RobbieR

Robyn, I took heed to your advice on the Algaefix. When I got home I double checked things.

I need to make a correction; I think. We've talked about my lacking ability to remember anymore. And for sure, I don't remember the names of all the products I use, especially since I changed products this year; but since I happen to have this years order receipt with me at work; I used it versus memory to list the products. While I was writing them down, I really couldn't remember handling a 2.5 gallon container of anything; which happens to be the potentially toxic AlgaeFix. Again, heeding Robyn's warning, I double checked things. The liquid container I use turns out to be the one gallon MicrobeLift/PL (Beneficial bacteria), and no signs of 2.5 gallons of anything. All the sudden sparked a little memory jog; I remember my order was filled in multiple shipments as not everything I ordered was in stock. Seems to me the AlgaeFix was one of those items. Now I have to research, I may not have ever received it, or if I did I've completely used it already. If AlgaeFix is a one time application, okay, chances are I used it, got lucky because everything is fine, and I forgot about it; but if AlgaeFix is applied on a schedule, like the liquid barley, bacteria, and the starter packets are, I can assure you I haven't used it.

AlgaeFix is usually applied routinely. I put it in two of my fish-less and tadpole-less tub ponds once a week. As I said, it's the safest algaecide but it's still algaecide. If used properly, it is safe for most healthy fish (not necessarily the sensitive ones) and plants but not crustaceans and perhaps other micro-life. That is not including the results of any algae that may die which, as I said, may alter the pH and oxygen levels among other things.

Since I couldn't remember using AlgaeFix, or have any evidence of it, I called Dr's F&S over the weekend. They confirmed I never received the 2.5 gallons of AlgaeFix. They were happy to ship it; but I told them I no longer needed it so they credited my account. Very good customer service.

Robyn writes: As far as bacteria go, I too used the Microbe-Lift spring dry packets which contain bacteria and also enzymes that digest plant material. I also use BZT weekly. I swear by it. Here's the site on it - http://www.united-tech.com/m-aq-toc.html
In order to get the smaller amounts that we ponders like (not on their web site), you have to call them and ask for the "Ponder's Special" which is about $35. I use it in two of my ponds (1800 and 153 gallon) and all my fish aquariums (65, 50, 20, and 5 gallons). One batch lasts me about 6 months so the cost is not that extravagant. BZT is my "secret."

Would this work for me? If you remember I have green water, my pH level is 9.0, 2500 gal, rock pond, 5-5" fishes, 15 potted plants, skimmer w/ brushes, no bio filter and pond was cleaned out this spring and complete water exchange. Also, instead of getting the 'ponders special' would it be more cost effective to purchase a pound for $75? CF :ph43r:

I have taken the good advise here and am seeing very good results. :D I bought some Algefix and used 1/2 the dosage recommended each day for 3 days straight. ( by the way, this stuff is very expensive)The string alge has stopped and the pond is remarkably clearer. I will now add a 1/2 dosage weekly.

I have also received some barley straw and have put it in the pond also. I am sure that this is a longer term preventative measure.

I will now do the research on bacteria as Robyn suggested and get that on order.

The pond looks great, the fish are happy, and the owers are now extemely proud of it as we show it off with company visiting on the weekends. It is the focal point of the backyard. Will post a few pics as soon as I get my camera back.

RobbieR

Yes, I recommend BZT for all ponds. If you want to get the larger size, it will probably last you at least a few years depending on how much of the recommended dose you put in (I put in less). Luckily, it's shelf stable for a few years. So, it's up to you.

Robbie, I'm glad your pond is looking better! Once you have had the barley straw and maybe BZT for a while, if you have a good amount of plants, I suggest stopping the use of the AlgaeFix and see if the algae comes back or not. You may not need it once everything is established. I recommend only using algaecides as a last resort and if there's already algae and not using them as preventatives. Since your pond is still settling in, you can continue to use some for a while. Using algaecides (the bad chemicals) all the time is kind of like saying, "I'm going to take Pepto Bismol every day to prevent diarrhea." It's much better to only take it when you have diarrhea. Plus, you want to know when that is so you can fix the causes.

How much BZT do you put in and how often. The web site was silenty on this..or I just didn't see it.

Thanks,

RobbieR

I don't have it with me here but it does come with directions. I personally put in about a teaspoon in my 1800 gallon pond once a week. I just shake a little bit into my aquariums and 153 gallon pond. I really don't measure it. I put in less than they say.